Tuesday, 23 February 2016

A warm spring day. Today, Bo Jinyan and Jian Yao will register their marriage at the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau.

Fortunately, the queue is not long. There are about ten couples ahead of them standing in line. But of course, they are the most attractive couple by far.

The tall and handsome Bo Jinyan is wearing a custom made suit specially made for this occasion, with a dark grey shirt inside. Jian Yao looks elegant and beautiful in a light blue dress.

Jian Yao is used to attracting attention, but not to this degree. She knows that it is probably due to the man that is standing beside her. As she puts her arm around his, she notices that he is looking at the people that are ahead of him in the queue. He seems to be deep in thought.

“Is something bothering you?” She asks softly.

Bo Jinyan sweeps her a look. Usually, this look represents something important. She looks carefully at the people he is observing. There are a few young man in their twenties, and a few ordinary looking middle aged man standing with their wives-to-be. There’s nothing extra-ordinary about these people.

“What’s the matter?” She asks even more quietly.

He looks at her and says heartily: “ I must thank destiny for letting us meet each other.”

Jian Yao is a little confused. That’s sweet! But hang on… what makes him say something so touching? It’s not his usual style. Or perhaps the atmosphere here somehow manages to affect his usually dull heart?

As she is pondering, she hears him say: “Or else, you would be marrying to a mediocre man just like them. Oh! I can’t accept even the thought of it.”

Jian Yao: “….”

So that’s what’s in his mind.

Sentimental? No way, it’s just pride.

——————-

The registration process is a simple one. After paying nine dollars and getting a stamp on the little book, they are now officially husband and wife.

On their way back home, Jian Yao holds the red little booklet (Marriage Certificate) in her hand. She is overwhelmed with emotions. But Bo Jinyan seems to be as cool as ever. He only took one look at his red booklet and it’s been sitting in his trousers’ pocket ever since.

He has this ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude since the proposal. To him, whether they decide to register at the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau is not important. A promise that comes from the heart means so much more than a piece of paper with a written agreement on it.

“Well, if you think that kind of stuff is important to you, then we’ll do it.” He said during the proposal.

The genius’ brain obviously works differently to other normal human beings. If another man said this to her, it’s probably because he is trying to avoid commitment. But Jian Yao understands him. Getting registered is only a legal requirement that needs to be fulfilled. He is already so committed to the relationship, there is no chance that they will need a divorce, so therefore, what’s the value of going through the process?

In the end, they agreed that they would register their marriage, but they would not have a big celebration or ceremony. Jian Yao cannot imagine him wearing a traditional groom’s gown, having to entertain and talk to the many guests that attend their wedding… Oh, forget it.

A few days have past since they received their marriage certificate. Jian Yao has never seen him looking at it. For the first few nights, she takes hers out and looks at it every night before she goes to bed. But tonight, she decides to lock it in a drawer in their bedroom. So she asks him: “Where is your marriage certificate? I will lock it in the drawer together with mine.”

Bo Jinyan looks at her: “Is that even necessary?” Then he walks off to read some documents.

That’s an unusual reaction. Jian Yao thinks to herself. But then she comes to a conclusion. Because it is not an important document for him, he’s probably forgotten where he has placed it. But he is unwilling to admit and to look for it. Never mind. When it reappears one day, he will pass it to her.

One week later…

There is a security check on the ground floor of one of the buildings of the Ministry of National Securities. It’s the centre for storing confidential information. Today, they have a meeting there to discuss a serial robbery case. As they past through the check point, they are asked to empty their belongings from their pockets for inspection. Not only that, they have to take off their jackets and shoes for inspection. Whenever Jian Yao knows she needs to come to this building, she will make sure only essential items are in her purse. There was an embarrassing incident once. She had some sanitary pads in her bag and a few male officers looked through her bag…

Bo Jinyan and Jian Yao are frequent visitors to the building, and the security guard knows them quite well. When it’s Bo Jinyan’s turn, he slowly takes out all the items in his pockets - a notebook, a pen, his wallet, car keys…”Pang”, a small red booklet falls on the ground.

Jian Yao is shocked. Bo Jinyan picks up the booklet and places it with the pile of his other belongings. Then he continues to empty his pockets - handkerchief, mobile phone…

Even the two security guards are dumbfounded. It’s the fist time they have seen someone carrying their marriage certificate with them. The younger security guard picks up the marriage certificate, looks at Bo Jinyan and Jian Yao and says to them: “Congratulations.”

Bo Jinyan smiles: “Thank you. Are you done yet?”

“Yes, yes.” The two security guards return his items to him. They are still a little puzzled. Why did Professor Bo carry his marriage certificate with him?

Jian Yao blushes. She is also puzzled like the guards. Perhaps he needs to disclose their new status to the ministry of National Security? Is that why he is carrying the booklet with him?

She tries to confirm that with Bo Jinyan: “Why is your marriage certificate in your pocket?”

“Is that a problem?” He asks, “I thought we are supposed to keep important documents with us at all times.”

Jian Yao: “…”

Ah! So, that’s the reason why he doesn’t keep it at home.

But…

“So, you keep it in your pocket everyday?” She is still blushing, but a sense of happiness swells up from within her.

“Of course!” He answers.

They head towards the lifts. She walks behind him with a smile.

Didn’t he mention a few days ago these sort of things are not important, and he doesn’t need her to keep it safe for her?

But in reality, it’s because he wants to keep it with him all the time.

But… who carries their marriage certificate with them all the time?

Even though he is an extremely intelligent man, he can be so childish and stubborn at times.

——————

Jian Yao is so touched by what he did, that she is more affectionate than usual for the next few days. Naturally, Bo Jinyan can’t be more happy about that. Their relationship is strengthened by this little episode.

It didn’t take long for all the staff that works in the building to know they are married. Some of them jokingly ask for lollies.

(NOTE from TB: The Chinese often gives out sweets/lollies as gifts when they get marry.)

———————

Jian Yao is a little embarrassed by this. She encourages Bo Jinyan: “I know the marriage certificate is a very important document to you and you want to carry it with you all the time, but it’s weird walking around with it everyday. Why don’t you keep it at home?”

Bo Jinyan glances at her and chooses to ignore her suggestion.

Then… one day…

Jian Yao needs to go to the Ministry of National Security office by herself. There is a new security guard working today. As he is about to ask her more questions to confirm her identity, another guard comes and says to the new guard: “Don’t bother asking. She is the wife of the man that brings his marriage certificate to work.”

Jian Yao: “…..”

’The man that brings his marriage certificate to work’ has become Bo Jinyan’s new nickname?

The guard smiles to her: “Oh… I heard about you guys when I was still working in another branch. Where is your marriage certificate?”

Jian Yao: “…..”

- But I am not Bo Jinyan. I don’t carry my marriage certificate with me all the time!

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

There's the one I just posted about the 'sponge off' rumour, then the story about ''marriage certification', then one on Bo Jinyan choosing his children's name, Li Xunran's wedding day, and their love story from 'Chen Mo's perspective!

So, it's not goodbye to Mr and Mrs. Bo yet!!!

I will be updating chapter 3 of 'Don't turn from Summer' next, then will work on another extra story from LMFYD.

The police in Tung City are furious and eager to crack the cases as soon as possible. Since the famous criminal psychologist Professor Bo Jinyan and his assistant Jian Yao is in town to visit their family, the Tung City Police Department has invited them to join in the investigation.

——————

On the day of the first meeting.

It is a sunny day with a cool breeze. It’s 7:30am. The police officers arrive at the crime scene. The meeting with professor Bo and Jian Yao is scheduled at 8:00am. When they walk past the area that is cordoned off to the public, they see a beautiful lady in her twenties. With plastic gloves and shoes on, she is bending down and examining the blood stains on the ground. A man stands behind her. He is leisurely drinking a cup of Starbucks coffee.

The lady looks up when she sees the officers. She gives a sweet smile: “Hi. I am from the Criminal Psychology Team under the Department of National Securities. My name is Jian Yao.“

All the police officers that came are men. Their faces brighten as they realise they will be working with a pretty lady. They take turns to introduce themselves to Jian Yao. One of the officers in his thirties recognises her: “Xiao Yao, I am Li Kun. Do you remember me? I used to keep you and Li Xunran entertained when you guys came to the police station. Wow, you have grown so much! You are such a pretty girl now!”

Jian Yao is about to reply when they hear a faint mocking smile from behind.

Jian Yao is slightly embarrassed. Bo Jinyan walks up and nods to the crowd. Then he introduces himself: “Hi. I am Bo Jinyan.”

Everyone is silent. They wait eagerly for what Bo Jinyan has to say about the case. But instead, Bo Jinyan turns to Jian Yao and says: “I will wait for you in the car.” Then he turns back to face everyone else: “Goodbye.”

So everyone watches as the alleged super detective walks off without giving any contribution.

“Well…”Jian Yao smiles and turn everyone’s attention onto her again: “Let’s profile the criminal. Here’s a list of things you should concentrate on…”

——————-

The case went well. Based on the profile Jian Yao provided, the police identified seven suspects. They took five days to interview the suspects but they could not figure out who is the killer. Then Jian Yao came to the office. It only took her one day get a confession. Superior interrogation skills, lie detection, micro expression observations… she uses a variety of tools, and she is very proficient in all of them. It’s an eye opener for the Tung City Police.

Compared to Jian Yao, Bo Jinyan is like the arrogant man who has no actual skills. They have decided his fame is overrated. When Jian Yao was briefing the team, Bo Jinyan was taking a nap in the car. When Jian Yao was interrogating the suspects, he came in with two bento boxes with sashimi for Jian Yao and himself. And he left promptly after dinner. Even though the bento boxes did look impressive, he is not a house husband… surely? He is supposed to be a very good detective, but he certainly doesn't act like one.

Li Xunran is no longer working in Tung City. The officers that were involved in the ‘killer machine’ case years ago have either retired or transferred elsewhere. The new bunch of officers in Tung City have not worked with Bo Jinyan before. And based on what they have seen so far, they have a very mediocre impression of this legendary detective.

———————-

The day after the case is closed.

Two officers, Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li are resting in the garden courtyard inside the Police Station complex.

“Mmm…. I heard that they are a couple. If this is true, then I must say, he is a lucky man. He may be hopeless in solving cases, but he has a pretty and smart wife.”

“I think the rumours are true. Yesterday, as Miss Jian is leaving, I saw Professor Bo resting his hand on her shoulder as they walked. Oh, what a shame! She deserves a better man…”

Xiao Zhang: “I think Professor Bo sponges off his wife. Obviously, he only managed to be the team leader because she is silently helping him do all the work behind the scenes”

………

Unknown to the two officers, Jian Yao and Bo Jinyan are sitting behind them, blocked by a hedge.

Jian Yao turns to look at Bo Jinyan. She is surprised that he seems to be unperturbed by the comments. He continues to drink his mineral water leisurely.

Jian Yao reaches out her hand to pat his face: “They said you are sponging off me. Aren’t you angry?”

Bo Jinyan smiles and reply: “Such short-sightedness.” He takes a glance of her: “The measure of a superior detective is not about many complex cases he can solve, but his ability to train a rookie into a great detective like him.”

And before Jian Yao can speak, he adds: “And, he is able to successfully stand out from the many suitors to become this great detective’s husband.”

Jian Yao laughs. She leans over and whispers in his ear: “I love you.”

Bo Jinyan smiles.

After a short pause, Jian Yao says: “I don’t mind that you pass me the simple cases. Like the one I just worked on. But the reality is that, complicated cases are few and far between. We have not seen any in the past 12 months.” Then she looks in his eyes: “Well, if you keep ‘resting’, will this brain of yours that you are so proud of start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation?”

What is meant to be a small joke is not taken very well by Mr. Bo Jinyan. Jian Yao immediately regrets what she said as she sees an angered look on his face.

But a few seconds later, Bo Jinyan smiles and speaks with a sweet tone: “My dear, you are so cute.” He leans over to kiss her forehead. “ A Porsche is still a Porsche even if it’s not driven for a while. But if the Porsche is forced to go at slow speed everyday because it has crawler tractor attached to it, then it will wear out and deteriorate.”

Jian Yao laughs at his analogy: “Ok, Ok… You are a Porsche, I am a …” Her smile freezes: “Wait a minute… are you trying to say I am a crawler tractor?”

The “Crawler Tractor” comment has great consequences.

For the next three months, Jian Yao refused to take on any simple cases. She insisted that Bo Jinyan needed some first hand experience of what it felt like do the job of a ‘crawler tractor’.

Normally, Bo Jinyan calls the shots at work and at home. But Jian Yao threatened him a ‘don’t come near my bed if you don’t agree to this’ statement, he said ‘yes’ straight away.

And of course, the benefit this arrangement brought was that Bo Jinyan was able to solve many cases at an alarmingly fast speed, and the rumours of him ‘sponging off her’ vanished.

When the officers mentioned Bo Jinyan, they described him differently-

Friday, 15 January 2016

The truth is, how these two couples crossed path is a lot less dramatic than you’d imagine.

It is at the height of summer. Both couples are delegates of a conference organised by the department of National Security. It is held in a resort in the mountains. In the evenings, there’s some free time for delegates to enjoy the facilities of the resort.

——————-

One evening, Bo Jinyan brings to Jian Yao to the Leisure Centre where there are a few billiard tables.

No long after they started to play, Bo Jinyan notices that Jian Yao is distracted. She keeps looking at another man. Naturally, he is not too pleased about that.

“He is also a very good billiard player.” She says as she looks at the handsome man just a few meters away from them. There is a petite lady standing next to him. They don’t look like father and daughter. His Girlfriend? Probably… oh… how cute.

As Bo Jinyan looks up, the man so happens to turn his head around too. The two man look at each other.

Oh, I know him - Ji Bai.

Oh, I know him too - Bo Jinyan.

Ji Bai walks over with a smile: “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Want to play a game?”

“Why not?”

Billiard table is a great place to check out the ‘competition’.

It’s like a scene out of a TV drama. Two equally handsome man. Both are good at the game.

The petite lady that came with Ji Bai walks over to Jian Yao. Jian Yao smiles and says to her: “Hi. Your friend plays well.”

The lady nods. She looks at Bo Jinyan and says in a serious tone: “And your friend is very handsome.”

Jian Yao laughs. What a straight forward girl. And her tone is so serious, as if she is giving a scientific conclusion. Jian Yao has a good first impression on her: “Hi. My name is Jian Yao. That is my husband.”

“Xu Xu. We are husband and wife too.”

Please note that Xu Xu seldom praises people for their looks. Especially man. But in her heart, her perfect man should be tall, fair, refined and sophisticated. Bo Jinyan ticks all the right boxes. As for her own husband Ji Bai… well, he is handsome, but too muscular for her liking. Her love for him has never been based on his physical appearance.

Jian Yao takes a look at Ji Bai and says: “Your husband is very handsome too.”

Xu Xu looks at her strangely and answers without thinking: “Really? I never noticed.”

Even though they are speaking softly, the men are able to hear their conversation. So as Ji Bai hears his wife dismissing his good looks, he loses his concentration and makes an error. As a result, Bo Jinyan wins the game.

Bo Jinyan gives Ji Bai an arrogant smile: “Thanks for the game.”

But Ji Bai has a cunning plan. He casually suggests: “Let’s play another game. This time, we will let them join in as well.“ He turns to look at the two ladies.

Any activity that involves his wife always makes it more appealing and interesting for Bo Jinyan. But just as he is about to nod and say yes, he takes a glance at Xu Xu: “I am not interested in playing billiard with underaged girls.”

Ji Bai: “…..”

Jian Yao: “……” She turns to Xu Xu: “I am so sorry. Just ignore him.”

The good impression that Xu Xu had of Bo Jinyan earlier quickly shatters. She looks him in the eye and says: “Come on. Wisdom and skill will determine who is the better player here.”

The four of them takes turn playing. At the end of the game, the couple’s score will be added up. Whichever couple has the higher scores win.

Both men are about the same in their skill levels. In other words, the result of the game will be based on how well the ladies play.

But unknown to Bo Jinyan, Xu Xu is a very good billiard player. She is a perfectionist who spent a lot of time to hone her skills. And not to forget, her coach is Officer Ji Bai.

As for Jian Yao… she has only played billiard a few times with Li Xunran before. She is still at beginners level!

Ji Bai has a big smile on his face. There is no way they are going to lose this game. As for the earlier comments made by his wife… well, he will use other means tonight when they return to their room to ‘convince’ her that she was wrong.

But then, Xu Xu decides that she should give Jian Yao a hand. She walks over to Jian Yao and says: “Do you want me to give you a few tips?”

Jian Yao is struggling. She welcomes all the help she can get: “Sure!”

As Jian Yao bends over onto the table. Xu Xu bends overs behind her to correct her posture. She patiently teaches her how to hold the stick and where the tip should hit the white ball… etc etc Soon, they ignore the two men who is standing there, waiting.

Ji Bai gives a helpless laugh. The reason he likes teaching Xu Xu how to play billiard is because he can enjoy this type of close physical contact with her. However, she has denied him of this ‘pleasure’ as she thinks this is inappropriate public behaviour. But obviously, she has no problems with having ‘close physical contact’ with another woman.

But… he can still admire her curves with his eyes. O, look at those arms, and the curves on her body…

And Bo Jinyan has a new revelation! Oh, so this is how you can play billiard. What a perfect and sexy game!

…..

Finally, the game ends. In the end, because both men are pre-occupied with other matters on their minds, Xu Xu scored the highest. Jian Yao came last as expected. But she managed to pick up some new skills.

There is no need to add up the couples’ scores. Clearly, Ji Bai and Xu Xu are the winner.

————

When they return to their rooms later that evening, Bo Jinyan says: “Let’s play billiard again tomorrow. I’ll teach you.”

Jian Yao feels a bit bad: “I am sorry. If only I was better at the game, you won’t lose to Ji Bai.”

It’s not easy for Bo Jinyan to accept defeat. He is used to winning!

Actually, soon after they started the second game, Bo Jinyan knew Ji Bai tricked him. Obviously, Xu Xu was an expert. There is no way he and Jian Yao could win the game!

He opens his lap top and looks at the student list for the advanced criminal psychology course that he is about to give. Then he gives a cunning smile: “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

Jian Yao on the other hand, is very fond of children. She knows her husband lacks patience, so she is the primary care giver. He just needs to spend a bit of time each day with her and the kids.

But there are occasions when Bo Jinyan has to look after the child himself.

For example, today.

The nanny is taking a day off. Jian Yao has to accompany her mom to the hospital for a check up. Therefore, the task of looking after baby falls onto Bo Jinyan.

Before Jian Yao left, she made sure she did everything she can to make his life easier. Baby is bathed and fed. He needs to look after her for five hours.

It’s a hot summer day. A lazy afternoon. Bo Jinyan sits on the sofa to watch TV. He seldom watches TV, but sometimes he watches investigation documentaries to keep up with what’s been happening in the country.

As he is watching TV, his ten month old daughter crawls around on the carpet, while playing with toys. She seems to be entertaining herself quite well and leaving Bo Jinyan alone. He just needs to keep an eye out on her: “Not too bad. She is quite independent. ” He thinks to himself.

But before long, he feels something warm over his foot. He looks down. Baby has crawled up to him and is hugging his leg.

Bo Jinyan frowns and asks her: “What do you want?”

“Cuddle… cuddle…”

Bo Jinyan replies: “I don’t want cuddles.”

“Woo…woo…”

Bo Jinyan remembers what Jian Yao said before she left: “You have to be gentle with her!” So, he decides to compromise.

He picks her up and sits her next to himself on the sofa: “Don’t move, watch TV.”

Baby obliges and watch TV quietly besides daddy.

However, this new found peace does not last long. Soon she is agitated again. She leans over to her father and asks piteously: “Milk, milk.”

“Sit here and wait.” He heads to the kitchen to get the milk bottle.

Soon, milk is ready. She giggles and reaches out her hands to try to grab the bottle.

Bo Jinyan puts her on his lap and gently pushes the bottle teat into her mouth. She drinks contently. Bo Jinyan observes her while she drinks milk. She is starting to look more and more like Jian Yao.

She is definitely more good looking now. And her chubby fingers are so cute.

Baby seems to sense the father’s soften emotions. She stays in his arms and smiles at him. He gently pinches her small cheeks, and rubs her round little shoulders. “Ok. You can stay in this position for a while.” He thinks to himself.

So, they continue to watch TV together.

When Jian Yao returns, she finds the sitting room empty. There is no one on the carpet or sofa. The TV is switched off.

She goes into the bedroom. She laughs.

Both of them have fallen asleep.

But… in a different way to what she normally sees.

Baby likes to curl up when she goes to bed. But today, she is lying down in a straight line. Obviously, her sleeping posture has been ‘corrected’.

A tenderness comes across her. She washes up, gets changed into her pyjamas and lies down next to Bo Jinyan.

He wakes up when she gets into bed. He curls his lips and immediately rolls himself above her.

…….

Bo Jinyan used to be very particular about his sleep posture. But since he met Jian Yao, this good habit of his that he maintained for over 20 years disappeared. Most of the time, he rolls himself and sleeps on top of Jian Yao, while hugging her tightly.

—————-

When baby is about one and a half years old, she starts to speak more phrases.

This particular day, she learns a new phrase - ‘Help! Save me!’ Because she doesn’t fully understand the meaning of the word, she often uses it out of context.

For example: When she is hungry, she will say: “Help! Save me! I need to eat.”

And when she wants to play, she will say: “Help! Save me! Get out. Get out.”

And when she is in the bathroom…

Jian Yao is trying to wash her hair. Like many other young children, she doesn’t like the feeling of water splashing on her face. She struggles as her mother bathes her.

Bo Jinyan just happens to walk pass the bathroom.

Baby immediately shouts out: “Help! Save me! Daddy.”

But Bo Jinyan stands at the door and looks at his daughter with an aloof smile. Then he says to her: “Sorry, I can’t save you.” Then he walks away mercilessly.

Baby is stunned. Then she starts to cry.

Jian Yao turns around and yells out to him: “Don’t do that in the future. It might cause psychological shadows.

About Me

I don't own the copyright. This is just a fan translation. You can probably tell by the quality of the writing :) If you spot any mistakes, leave me a note and I will amend it. I do not own any of the rights to any of the characters, names or images. I started translating the story for a good friend of mine. Nothing commercial about this project. Just a favour for a friend. I thought I might as well share it in a blog. Enjoy.